From the classroom to the world: Students excel in media and communication internships

July 10, 2023
From international newsrooms to the world of creative advertising, podcast journalism, and digital strategies, Northwestern University in Qatar students are advancing their training at internships with organizations across the globe.
 
Iraj Shahzad and Safae Daoudi are among the more than 45 Northwestern Qatar students completing summer internships in the field of media and communication. Together with Fardous Mohamed Ali, Tamim Younis, and 16 other journalism students completing academic internships as part of the Journalism Residency Program, they are honing their skills and gaining valuable experiences that will shape their time as undergraduate students and professional careers after graduation.
 
Shahzad, a junior in the Communication Program, is completing an internship at Education Above All Foundation, a Qatar-based non-profit organization with the mission to empower marginalized children, youth, and women in the developing world through education. Working in their communication department, she has contributed to several creative and integrated campaigns and initiatives to promote children's education and empowerment in the region.
 
Reflecting on how being a student at Northwestern Qatar has prepared her for this experience, she said it has allowed her to apply strategic communication and problem-solving skills to address some of the world's most pressing issues. "Northwestern Qatar has equipped us with the skills and knowledge we need to excel in the world of media and communication," said Shahzad. "My internship has allowed us to apply what we've learned in the classroom to real-world situations, making a difference in people's lives."
 
Daoudi, a rising journalism senior, is another student completing an internship. As an assistant producer intern at Al Jazeera English's Studio B: Unscripted and The Listening Post programs, she is advancing her skills in production and journalism, working alongside journalists and industry professionals to create documentaries and digital content on various issues for a global audience.
From reaching out to interviewees and researching archival footage to conducting interviews and assisting with bilingual translation, she was immersed in the dynamic world of news media and investigative journalism. "It's been an incredible experience being part of a dynamic team of journalists who provided invaluable guidance and helped me navigate the industry's challenges,” said Daoudi. “One of the highlights for me was the chance to work on meaningful stories and be actively involved in all aspects of production."
 
Similarly, rising seniors Mohamed Ali and Younis recently completed their 10-week internship as part of the Journalism Residency Program. During their time at Casa del Podcast in Tarragona, Spain, and Grey’s South Africa office, they worked on various podcast journalism projects and several high-profile campaigns across the region, gaining valuable experience and insights into the advertising and journalism industries.
 
“I am proud to see our student storytellers making their mark in the field of media and communication through their internships with some of the world's leading organizations,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “It's a testament to their dedication and hard work, and we look forward to seeing how their experiences will shape their futures."
 
In highlighting how such internships are preparing students for success, Ahmad Alony Hamed, career services manager at Northwestern Qatar, said, “These experiences help students hone their skills and gain valuable experience that will shape their careers.” He added, “As these students complete their internships across the globe, they are shaping and building up their professional careers after graduation, making them stand out in the competitive job market.”
 
Through its student internships and research fellowship programs, Northwestern Qatar is shaping the next generation of leaders and storytellers by providing them with opportunities to gain practical experience in their fields of study. By incorporating hands-on, experiential learning into their education, students are graduating with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.